ik stond erbij en ik keek ernaar
Dutch
editAlternative forms
editEtymology
editThe phrase literally means "I was standing next to it and I looked at it". It originates in the children's song Ik zag twee beren. The song is about animals doing impossible things, the most common variant "Ik zag twee beren broodjes smeren" meaning "I saw two bears making sandwiches". The song always finishes with 'k stond erbij en ik keek ernaar.
Phrase
editik stond erbij en ik keek ernaar
- I noticed things were going wrong, but I didn't do anything to stop it.
- 2011, Mirjam Mous, Boy 7, Unieboek | Het Spectrum, →ISBN, page 80:
- Ik ben een vriend van niks. Ik heb hem in de steek gelaten. Ik stond erbij en ik keek ernaar. Ik had hem moeten helpen. Vechten, slaan, bijten desnoods.
- I'm a worthless friend. I abandoned him. I just stood there and did nothing. I should have helped him. Fight, punch, even bite if needed.